Essex County Turtle Back Zoo

In town for the day with my 4-year-old nephew, with a few hours to kill, so we decided to check out the zoo! We were there from 11:30 to 3:30 on a Wednesday in December and it was the most perfect time I've ever had at a zoo. We had almost the entire place to ourselves. Even though it was just under 50° out. The sun was bright and shining and it wasn't windy so it was a gorgeous day to walk through the zoo. Not having any crowds or people meant we could stay as long as we wanted at each animal, we got perfect pictures with no people in the background, and my nephew had the entire playground to himself for almost an hour!!! Skip the food here, and eat before or after you go to the zoo because we paid $16 for a personal pizza and a small bag of goldfish and that was the worst pizza I've ever had!!! The staff were super friendly and very helpful, and the zoo was very clean. Bummed that we couldn't have been there a little bit later in the day to see the lights which started at 5:00 p.m., but with all the Christmas and holiday decorations it was still magical to walk around and see everything!!!

Just GO!! This place was awesome!! We found this gem while searching for something to do in the area and it did not disappoint!! The park was very clean, had a lot to offer and animals seemed very well taken care of with huge enclosures! They look like the recently added new areas and a lot of time/ effort put into new walking paths, buildings and landscapes. I WILL BE BACK! Also parking was FREE and they do have strollers for rent.

I recently visited the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo and had an absolutely fantastic time! From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of enjoyable. The zoo's focus on wildlife conservation and commitment to providing an entertaining and educational experience was evident throughout my visit. The exhibits at the zoo were beautifully curated, showcasing a diverse range of turtle species in their natural habitats. From the tiniest terrapins to the grandest tortoises, each enclosure was well-maintained and provided ample opportunities to observe these incredible creatures up close. The information boards accompanying each exhibit offered valuable insights into the turtles' behaviors and conservation efforts, enhancing the overall experience. One of the highlights of my visit was the chance to capture videos of the turtles and other animals. This allowed me to share the excitement and beauty of the zoo with my friends and family, giving them a glimpse into the engaging and educational environment it offers. Being able to document my visit through videos was an added bonus that helped me create lasting memories and provide valuable content for others considering a trip to the zoo. If you're looking for a fun and informative day out, I highly recommend visiting the Essex County Turtle Back Zoo. The knowledgeable staff, well-maintained exhibits, and the ability to capture videos make it an excellent destination for individuals and families alike. I had a blast exploring the zoo, and I'm sure you will too!

Great zoo for little kids. It's definitely worth the membership if you live close by. The members only events are especially fun. The habitats are well done, and you can tell the animals are healthy and cared for. I also appreciate that they are using a lot of native plants on the grounds, and hope they continue expanding that effort.

Great visit! Although it was very crowded and the line for the food area was super long, still had a great time with my sisters and friend. My favorite stop was the Touch Tank! Make sure you go early.. Missed seeing a lot of the animals because of the time but overall it was a good visit. Hoping to visit again soon.